What Will It Cost to Hire an Attorney to Create My Will?

The average cost of hiring an attorney to create a will typically ranges from $300 to $1,500. This can vary depending on where you live, the complexity of your estate, and whether your attorney charges a flat or hourly fee. If the attorney charges a flat fee, it will typically fall within the average range listed here. However, if the attorney charges an hourly fee, that may range from $100 to $400. In that case, the costs of creating your will can quickly accumulate if additional time is needed based on the complexity of your estate. 

In some instances, working with an attorney to create your will can cost as much as $8,000 if you have a particularly complicated estate or have many questions regarding your property and assets. If you reside in a major city, attorneys will have higher fees than those operating out of suburban or rural locations. For example, while an attorney in a rural area might be willing to charge $100 an hour, an attorney in a major city will likely charge up to $400. Additionally, hiring an attorney who specializes solely in estate planning will be more expensive than hiring an attorney who is more of a generalist. 

Although hiring an attorney to create your will may seem expensive, balancing the costs against the potential consequences of having an incorrectly drafted will or not having a will at all is crucial. If you do not have a will, state law will determine how your assets are distributed, which may not align with your wishes. If your will is drafted incorrectly because you bypassed an attorney, it can be costly to make corrections later by drafting additional legal documents. A professionally drafted will reduces the risks of disputes among family members and facilitates a smooth transfer of your assets following your death. Ultimately, consulting with an experienced attorney will help you better understand the costs of drafting your will and tailoring it to your needs. 

Sources

“How much does a will cost? 6 options and their prices”. FreeWill. https://www.freewill.com/learn/cost-of-a-will 

“How much does it cost to make a will? Average cost of a will in 2025”. Business Insider. https://www.businessinsider.com/personal-finance/investing/how-much-does-it-cost-to-make-a-will 

“How much does it cost to make a will?” Thumbtack. https://www.thumbtack.com/p/will-creation-cost 

“What’s the Average Cost of Making a Will?” Investopedia. https://www.investopedia.com/ask/answers/033116/what-average-cost-making-will.asp